By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A 17-year-old was hospitalized after being reportedly assaulted and stabbed by an unknown group early yesterday morning in Pontevedra, Negros Occidental.

Police did not name the victim, but confirmed he is a resident of Barangay Gargato, Hinigaran.

Based on a statement provided by the victim to Pontevedra municipal police, he was walking towards town proper with friends when they encountered another group. The other group began assaulting them, with one stabbing the victim in the stomach.

The victim was rushed to the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital for treatment, while police are presently trying to identify the suspects./DGB, WDJ